Mexico defender Mario Mendez admits the Tricolores will have to step up their game if they are to beat Angola and, possibly, book their place in the last 16 of the World Cup with a game to spare.

Victory would be enough to steer Mexico through to the knock-out stages provided Portugal do no worse than draw their match with Iran.

Mexico got off to a good start with their 3-1 victory over Iran and now Mendez believes they will have to move up another gear.

'We must take the initiative from the start,' said Mendez.

'We already showed against Iran a big improvement in the second half and that is what we are looking to do in our next game.

'Angola have fast and physically strong players and they could hit us on the counter-attack.

'That is why we must take advantage of our opportunities.'

Mexico coach Ricardo Lavolpe will have to make one enforced change, with Bolton striker Jared Borgetti not fit after suffering a hamstring strain in the match with Iran.

However, Borgetti hopes he will be able to contribute more to the Mexican campaign - his tally of 14 goals in the qualifying competition made him the most prolific marksman in the world on the road to Germany.